Hemorrhoid, also known as piles is the inflammation of the veins in the rectum and anus, which may or may not lead to other health complications. This condition is typically caused by straining during defecation or due to underlying digestive illnesses.
It is easily self-diagnosable because there are common symptoms of discomfort, especially when defecating or sitting. Symptoms include internal or external swelling, itching around the anus, and bleeding.
There are a series of home remedies for hemorrhoids with fresh foods that contain high dietary fiber. There are over-counter-medication drugs for piles known as stool softeners. In a few cases, the symptoms may worsen, so that it requires medical procedures to remove hemorrhoids before the patient can be healed. Elderly people are at higher risks of developing hemorrhoids compared to younger persons. As the body ages, the veins and tissues tend to degenerate, including the ones surrounding the anus and rectum. Bowel movements over time cause the wearing and tearing of these tissues, and might eventually cause them to weaken. Pregnant women are also at risk of getting hemorrhoids due to the weight of the fetus pressing against the end of the gastrointestinal tract.
Some persons may experience minor symptoms, while others have it much worse. The seriousness of the symptoms depends on the type of hemorrhoid. The two general types are external and internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen physically under the skin around the anus. The skin around the anus looks bumpy and feels hard or lumpy. Internal hemorrhoids grow inside the rectum, so they can’t be seen or touched. The symptoms of the latter are usually less severe than the former, and internal hemorrhaging rarely causes any discomfort.
Here are eight common causes of hemorrhoids. [1]
Straining during Defecation
Straining while defeating exerts pressure on the veins surrounding the anus. [2] The stressed veins may swell or get inflamed, causing hemorrhoids. Straining is often due to constipation, where it becomes painful or difficult to pass stools. Constipation will indirectly cause symptoms of hemorrhoids, that is, less frequent bowel movements may worsen constipation and symptoms of hemorrhoids. Defecation is not the only activity that warrants you to strain your anus. Lifting heavy objects and some high-intensity activities may also cause hemorrhoids. Bed rest is ideal for those suffering from this condition because more straining can irritate the veins even more.